IDS West - Sept. 2011

Meagan and I had so much fun at the Interior Design Show West in September 2011.  It was held in the new Vancouver Convention Centre West.  I love the rotating globe suspended above the main entry.  The ceiling finish is very creative as well.

During the opening event, we got to see fashion shows from Vancouver based designers.  If you haven't been to a fashion show, you must put it on your bucket list. 

There were many exhibitors and speakers during the event.  If you'd like more info on any of the photo's I can dig up the pamphlets and business cards I collected.  There are many more products displayed that I loved, but can't fit them all in!

We listened to artisan, Jeremy Cole speak of how he built his successful business, making ceramic light fixtures.  He was fascinating.  His pieces are absolutely beautiful and are all made by hand, not by machines. http://www.jeremycole.net/stage.html

These rock climbers are very fun, we almost bought a set right there and then.

I was very impressed with the size of these solid surface slabs in the Colonial Countertops exhibit. 

If you can get this product to work with your project budget, go for it! 

It works for both horizontal and vertical applications.

These planters are pretty fabulous too.  I love the modern white combined with the organic shapes.

One day I will own one of these fabulous fireplaces, I especially admired the stone surround, or is it stone?  Could it be solid surfacing?  Oh maybe it is plaster?  Maybe Meagan remembers.

I'm sure Meagan remembers this chair, she said it was comfortable, but I was too chicken to try it.

When trade day ended, it was Ross Lovegrove's turn to take the stage.  People filled the seating area way faster than we expected, and we had to stand during his talk.  He's an innovative, world renown designer.  If you get a chance to see him live, or see his CNN show 'Just Imagine,' don't miss it.  http://www.rosslovegrove.com/

I love these types of paintings.

Lighting has become one of the most innovative areas of interior design. 

You could really make a statement with this peice.

We'll try to make it to next year's IDS West, let me know if you want to join us.

New Workplace and Kelowna Home Show

I've spent the last few months adjusting to a new workplace.  The company is Bluegreen Architecture Inc, here in Kamloops BC.  We have an office in Kelowna as well.  (It was formerly Coast Architecture.)  I'm currently doing loads of building technology drafting on a Mac with Vectorworks.  It's very different from what I am accustomed to, but it is working out very well. 

I have done some interior design work, including exterior finish selections.  I'm very excited for a modern house I helped with.  It is being done with a denim blue, warm greys and bright timbers.  Once it is built, I will try to get a photo for the blog.

The Kelowna Home Show was fun this winter.  I helped man the IDIBC / IDC Booth.  We offered free 15 minute consultations with Registered Interior Designers.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I did my shift on the 'design dilemma' sessions, but it turned out to be really fun. 

I learned about a number of places I want to shop at in Kelowna.  One day I will go buy the hot tub with the built-in waterfall. 

I love the twin copper floor lamps, and wish they were built to be outside.  I could put them next to two new wooden lounge chairs and anchor it with a new outdoor carpet.



Homes for the Holidays

It's been a great start to the holiday season. Alice and I went on the Homes for the Holidays tour, which gave proceeds to The United Way charity. Our tickets included the list of six homes that we could tour during the afternoon. Some of the homes are new and some are newly renovated. This one is a charmer:

Adding to the charm, you walk along a front, full length covered deck to get to the front entry.  I've seen many spaces with too much wood, but in this home, the wood floors, handrails, and wood frame windows are gorgeous.  They kept their choice of finishes and furnishings to the traditional palette.  They even have new yet traditional kitchen appliances from Heartland.   Oh and their Christmas decor was charming too.

The decorators and the home owners are all volunteers.  There are a number of businesses that donate product, cash and time to decorating the homes on the Homes for the Holidays Tour.  One of the new homes, with the support of Urban Barn, was elegant yet comfortable.  The master bedroom was very romantic with a base of soft greys.  The accents and Christmas Decor were deep purples with touches of silver.  When we entered the ensuite, we were rendered speachless.  It was so inviting and elegant, it made us feel like princesses.  We tried to hang out for awhile, but no one would bring us champagne.  We were not allowed to take photo's but I just could not resist.

It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  I'd like to volunteer next year, we'll have to see how things go.  My work is focused on public spaces, it's hard to find the time to branch out into other areas.  The people who volunteer work on residential spaces, the tour offers a good marketing opportunity for them.